Tim Scott

With the announcement of Congressman Tim Scott filling the soon-to-be vacant seat of U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, South Carolina Republicans gain a continued stalwart of Tea Party conservatism with a history-making selection.

South Carolina Congressman Tim Scott will become the first ever African-American senator from the state. Governor Nikki Haley appointed him Monday to replace Senator Jim DeMint, who is resigning to run a conservative think tank.

The South Carolina State House was packed with reporters and visitors waiting to watch history.

"It is with great pleasure that I am appointing our next U.S. senator to be Congressman Tim Scott," Governor Nikki Haley said as the crowd applauded and a few even yelled.

South Carolina Congressman Tim Scott will become the first African-American senator from the state. Governor Nikki Haley chose him Monday to replace Senator Jim DeMint, who is resigning to run a conservative think tank. WFAE’s Michael Tomsic was at the announcement in Columbia. Here’s a transcript of his segment with WFAE’s Mark Rumsey: